South Gate, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Min. liability insurance
- $100,000 per person
- Min. liability insurance
- $300,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage
- $50,000 minimum
- Service records kept
- 6 months minimum
- Permitting agency
- City tax collector
Summary
South Gate requires every tow truck service operator to hold a city permit, carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, and post rates and hours on a visible sign at the yard.
The tax collector shall not issue a permit to a tow truck services operator until the applicant has filed a policy of liability insurance pursuant to Section 2.10.240 covering every tow truck to be operated pursuant to the permit. Said policy of liability insurance shall provide coverage in not less than the following amounts: one hundred thousand dollars for death or injury to any one person...; three hundred thousand dollars for death or injury to two or more persons...; fifty thousand dollars for damage to property of others.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4847832; v1 updated 2026-05-12; through 05-12-2026).
Full Breakdown
The tax collector will not issue a tow truck services operator permit until the applicant files liability insurance covering every truck used under the permit, at least $100,000 for injury or death to one person, $300,000 for two or more, and $50,000 for property damage. Drivers must carry a valid California driver's license and, for nonowner drivers, a city driver's permit. Operators must post a sign showing the business name, address, closing hours, and towing and storage rates, and keep dispatch records, pickup location, vehicle description, driver, and time, for at least six months for inspection by the tax collector and police chief.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a valid operator or driver permit, missing insurance, or failing to post required signage and rates violates § 2.10.920; the tax collector can deny, condition, or revoke the business permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tow company need a permit to operate in South Gate?
How much insurance must a South Gate tow truck carry?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Gate
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